Oh, thank God. Blue melted a little at hearing that wonderful affirmation, although a moue of puzzlement flickered across her brow when he said that Owen actually killed Hoskins. A myriad of tumbled questions flooded her mind, but she resolutely pushed them aside and let herself bask in the knowledge that he was dead and could never hurt her--or anyone, God--ever again.

But knowing that didn't make bearing the scars left behind any easier, unfortunately. Blue still shivered, unable to block out the hated visage behind her eyes, letting Omega's scent and proximity slowly flood her senses, an effective deterrent, at least.

Her hands released their clutch and arms wound tight around his waist, staying as close against his wonderful warm strength as possible. Her shivering hadn't noticeably abated, and after a moment or so, Blue's shoulders suddenly hitched, and quiet, almost soundless sobs began to shake her thin frame, cracks in the dam of a week's worth of intentional hell.